Capt. George Mackey, of Port Washington, was born in Glencove, L.I., October 29, 1824, being a son of James and Elizabeth (Wilson) Mackey. The first representative of the family in America was his grandfather, a native of Scotland, who emigrated to this country during the Revolutionary War and settled at Glencove, where his son, James, was born. The latter was a cooper by trade, and about 1835 came to Port Washington (then known as Cow Neck), where he followed his occupation, making barrels for the mill. He died in this village about 1852, aged seventy-five. By his marriage he had twelve children, and he lived to see ten of the number married; only four are now living, one of the others, John, being represented elsewhere in this volume.

George, who was next to the youngest of the family, grew to manhood in Port Washington, to which place he accompanied his father when eleven years old. His education which was limited, was obtained in a pay school here. At the age of seventeen he began to work at the oyster business, being one of the pioneers in this industry. About the time he was twenty-one, and shortly before he was to have been married, he was seriously injured by an accident while hunting. The wound was of such a nature as to necessitate the amputation of the right arm at the shoulder and it was thought by everyone that he would not recover; however, a young physician, Dr. Treadwell, refused to give him up, but worked with him until the crisis was passed and his life saved.

Upon recovering sufficiently to go to work again, Mr. Mackey drove a wagon through various parts of Long Island, selling tobacco. For three years he was not connected with the Oyster business, but afterward resumed that work, in which he has since engaged. In connection with it he became interested in freighting and also started the business of making oil from the menhaden fish, which enterprise he continued for a few years. His freighting was principally from New York City to Port Washington, along Long Island Sound. When it became too much of a tax upon his energy, he put a man in charge of his schooner of sixty tons capacity, and the business is still carried on in that way. His oyster farming started on a small scale, but now he has an extensive business, in charge of his sons. They used to catch their own seed to plant but now buy of those who make a business of raising it.

At the time of coming to Port Washington there were but few houses here, and Mr. Mackey has seen the place grow from an insignificant hamlet to its present proportions. He and his brother built the first house on the street where they now live, it having formerly been called Steamboat Road, but now known as Flower Hill Avenue. His first ballot was cast for James K. Polk in 1844. He still supports Democratic principles, though not so active in politics as he was formerly. For two years he served as collector of taxes for the town of North Hempstead. Other offices have been offered him but he has steadfastly refused to allow his name to be presented for any position, and now, in his declining years, cannot identify himself as thoroughly with local affairs or assist as much in the development of the village interests as he did when in the prime of life.

His marriage, which Mr. Mackey’s unfortunate accident postponed, took place February 5, 1845, the bride being Sarah A., daughter of Stephen and Catherine (Wilson) Henrickson, and a native of Glencove, but residing in Port Washington at the time of her marriage. Of their eight children, five are living, namely; Isabel; George, Jr., who married Miss Addie Seaman of Sand’s Point, and has one daughter, Grace S.; Elizabeth (one of a pair of twins), Mrs. Aaron Thatcher, of Port Washington, and the mother of two sons, Fred and Christopher; Clarice, who married Elias Velsor, of this village, and has one child Sarah Belle; and Charles K., who is unmarried and resides with his parents.

Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record of Queens County (Long Island) New York"
(Copyright 1896 by Chapman Publishing Company)

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